In this exclusive conversation, we had the privilege of sitting down with Antonio Lopez Fernandez, a captivating singer from Valencia, Spain, who has enchanted audiences across the globe with his unique fusion of traditional Spanish sounds and contemporary pop. In this interview, Antonio opens up about his journey, artistic influences, and the deep passion that drives his music. As a performer deeply connected to his heritage while embracing modern elements, Antonio offers a refreshing blend that bridges generations and cultures.
1. Antonio, your music has been described as both modern and deeply rooted in Spanish tradition. How has growing up in Valencia shaped your sound?
Valencia is a city renowned for its vibrant artistic scene, its Mediterranean flair, and a rich cultural tapestry that’s evident in every corner. Antonio explains how growing up in this environment deeply influenced his sound: “The beauty of Valencia, its colors, its artistic spirit—these are the things that shape my music. My background is a mix of Andalusian and Valencian blood, and this combination makes me strive for a unique, personal sound. It’s a blend of tradition and something distinctly mine.”
This fusion of cultures has given Antonio a deep connection to Spanish musical traditions while pushing him to innovate and create something fresh. The Mediterranean spirit that permeates Valencia, combined with his own cultural heritage, allows him to craft music that is as heartfelt as it is modern.
2. You’ve built a strong following internationally, but what was your first moment of realizing you wanted to pursue music as a career?
For Antonio, music has always been a part of his life, but he recalls a specific moment when it became more than just a pastime: “Since I was a child, I’ve always written my emotions and composed melodies in secret. Over time, it became clear that music was calling me. The turning point was when I performed live on a TV show where I worked. Before that, I was involved in modeling, but I’ve always believed that fashion, music, and cinema are closely linked.”
This journey from modeling to music underscores the multifaceted nature of his artistry. Antonio’s background in fashion adds a layer of visual storytelling to his music, making his performances not just auditory experiences but artistic spectacles.
3. What do you find most challenging about being a Spanish artist breaking into the global music scene?
Breaking into the global music scene comes with its own set of challenges, particularly for a Spanish artist like Antonio. He emphasizes the universal language of love in his music: “I try to transmit love to the hearts of the public because, for me, love is a language we all understand.”
Antonio’s focus on emotional connection helps him transcend language barriers, but he acknowledges that standing out in a global market requires a deep commitment to authenticity and staying true to his roots while appealing to a broad audience.
4. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do they find their way into your work?
Antonio draws inspiration from the great balladeers of the 1970s and 80s, particularly those who made their mark in both Spanish and English music. “I’m influenced by the balladeers for their emotional depth and English artists for their melodic genius,” he shares. “But my music is personal. I don’t try to imitate anyone because I believe every person has a unique voice.”
This balance of reverence for the past and dedication to creating something new allows Antonio to channel his influences into music that is distinctly his own.
5. Your songwriting often touches on themes of love, loss, and identity. What inspires these stories?
Antonio’s compositions are deeply personal, drawing from his own life experiences: “My songs are about love, loss, joy, and disappointment. These are universal experiences, and I believe everyone has gone through them at some point in their life.”
This raw honesty is what resonates with his audience, who see their own lives reflected in his lyrics. By channeling his personal emotions, Antonio creates music that speaks to the heart.
6. You’ve recently been collaborating with some international artists. What has that experience been like?
Collaborating with artists from different cultures has been an enriching experience for Antonio. “It’s been positive because it allows me to learn new ways of thinking and seeing the world,” he says. “We all experience love and heartbreak, but the diversity of cultures adds depth to those emotions.”
These collaborations have broadened Antonio’s horizons, allowing him to experiment with new sounds and ideas while staying true to his core message.
7. Let’s talk about your live performances. What’s your mindset before going on stage?
Antonio approaches every performance with one goal in mind: to connect with his audience. “Before going on stage, I think about respecting the public and offering them all the love I can through my songs. My greatest success is when someone tells me they’ve felt something because of my music.”
His deep respect for his audience shines through in his performances, which are known for their emotional intensity and sincerity.
8. You’ve spoken about wanting to stay true to your roots while evolving with the times. How do you balance tradition with innovation?
Antonio sees love and heartbreak as timeless themes, which allows him to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. “I maintain the balance by blending musical innovation with the timelessness of love and heartbreak. Everything changes, but those emotions stay the same.”
9. Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals for the future?
For Antonio, the future is about continuing to create music and expanding his collaborations: “If the public wants me, I’ll keep working. I’d love to collaborate with more artists, and my dream is to work with Paul McCartney one day.”
10. Finally, what message do you want to leave for your fans?
Antonio closes the interview with gratitude: “I make my music for the public. I respect them because without them, I wouldn’t be here.”
With his unwavering dedication to his craft, Antonio Lopez Fernandez continues to break boundaries, paving the way for a new generation of Spanish artists on the global stage.
